Don't Mention Venus Williams

At the library, I checked out the book, The Year of Living Biblically by Arnold J. Jacobs.  In it, Jacobs details his year-long quest to follow the rules of the Bible as literally as he can.  There are some Biblical laws that he refuses to follow since they are outlawed or will severely affect his relationship with his family, such as “Kill magicians,” or “Sacrifice oxen.”  Nevertheless, Jacobs is determined to live a full year of his life as an adherent.

Jacobs was born into a secular household..  He was technically Jewish, but, “Jewish in the same way the Olive Garden is an Italian restaurant. Which is to say:  not very.”  Growing up, he became agnostic, wondering how evil could possibly exist if God was real. However, after having his first child, Jacobs wondered if depriving his son of religion would rob him of an important element of humanity.  Inspired to learn more about religion, Jacobs came up with the idea to live according to a literal interpretation of the Bible.  The idea came from his ex-uncle-in-law, Gil, who also tried to take the Bible literally at one point in his life, alienating himself from the rest of the family in the process. 

The book is organized into months: twelve sections for each month of the year. I have read throughout the month of September and half of October so far, and his tale is quite humorous.  It is funny to read about some of the rules he must follow and the way he and his family react to them.  One such rule is “Blow the trumpet at the new moon…” (Psalms 81:3).  Jacobs, attempting to follow each rule, finds a ram’s horn and blows it at the start of every month.  “Nor shall there come upon you a garment of cloth made of two kinds of stuff.” (Leviticus 19:19).  In order to follow this rule, Jacobs hires a man named Mr. Berkowitz who carefully inspects Jacobs’ clothing and tells him if it is made of multiple fibers and therefore unacceptable to wear.  He can’t discuss Venus Williams’ tennis match or the word “Thursday” since he must “make no mention of other gods.” (Exodus 20:13). Venus is the name of the Roman goddess of love and “Thursday” is named after the Norse god, Thor.  Throughout the novel, tensions develop between Arnold and his wife, Julie, who is unhappy with his new biblical lifestyle.

It is a hilarious book, and I thoroughly enjoy reading it. It informs me about different rules and teachings of the Bible while providing a genuinely entertaining story.  Each time I read, Jacobs’ amusing writing manages to elicit a laugh from me. Some of these Biblical rules also make me reflect on my own life.  Do I lie often?  Do I covet?  Am I wearing shirts made of wool and linen? It actually has encouraged me to ponder my own life choices and actions. I would recommend this book to everyone.  You do not need to be religious to enjoy this book.  If you enjoy engaging stories that you won’t be able to put down, check out this book.